Lagos APC opens all positions for 2027 primaries, adopts direct primaries and consensus method

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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LAGOS — The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that all positions are open for aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that the party has no anointed candidates for any seat.

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The announcement, made by State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi on Thursday, outlines that the party will adopt direct primaries as the primary method for electing candidates, with consensus arrangements encouraged where freely agreed upon and widely accepted.

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Ojelabi noted that the primaries will comply strictly with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, the 2026 Electoral Act (as amended), and other relevant electoral laws.

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“All the available positions are open for contest. We encourage all members who wish to contest any of the positions to do so in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that the party will not refund nomination or administrative fees to aspirants.

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The chairman further assured party members of a level-playing field, stating, “As a progressive party, we will give all members the opportunity to contest positions in a free, fair, and transparent manner that will produce the real representatives of the various constituencies.”

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Highlighting the party’s commitment to inclusivity, Ojelabi said special consideration will be given to influential female aspirants to promote gender equity and participation in the electoral process.

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He urged all members to abide by the rules and conduct themselves with decorum, stressing that the party will not impose candidates nor influence the outcome of the primaries.

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“While we await the official guidelines on the primaries from our national body, we encourage everyone to participate with dignity and honor,” Ojelabi concluded.

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